I am having trouble getting these hobie 18 hatch covers opened, I came open with difficulty, the other I cannot seem to get it opened. just bought the boat and I am getting it ready for the winter. Any advice????

Every boat in the club i have seen is left with the covers removed and the opening covered by a daggerboard on each side. The thought is that moisture will evaporate out of the open port and the daggerboard will keep most of the moisture out. If you did that then the sand wouldn't be a problem.

There are pro's and con's to everything and good arguments for each opinion. I have no idea if this is good or bad, it's just what i observed.

We store on a sandy beach...and the screw-type hatch covers (after appropriate lubing) still are unoperable after a couple days of storage.

The lube doesn't matter...I feel the grit of the sand gets in the threads and locks the covers. Fat bags become useless.

Does anyone have an idea that really works on a sandy beach?

I thoroughly cleaned the threads and then sprayed on two coats of McLube Sailkote which I let dry for about 2 minutes before screwing the covers back in. It makes a significant difference but you will need to re-apply it every couple of weeks because it tends to wash away. I keep the can in my sailbox.

Here is another for you; I got extra port covers. Take a hole saw and put a hole in the center for PVC elbows, a 90 & 45. a little screen and screw them in while the boat isn't being used. Ventilate the hulls and keeps it dry even in the driving rain. No sand & bugs either. Change them out to the flat covers and go sailing. Pictures available, just drop me a note.

I have a 1983 Hobie18 and i'm searching the internet (with no luck) for the older style 6" porthole hatch cover (deck lids). These are the kind that pop-in or out and have the rope attached to them. If anyone is upgrading to the newer screw-in type let me know because i'd love to purchase your old pop-in covers if they are in good condition.

I know its better to upgrade to the screw in type but with two kids i don't have much time for maintenance if i want to sail this year.

I have a 1983 Hobie18 and i'm searching the internet (with no luck) for the older style 6" porthole hatch cover (deck lids). These are the kind that pop-in or out and have the rope attached to them. If anyone is upgrading to the newer screw-in type let me know because i'd love to purchase your old pop-in covers if they are in good condition.

I know its better to upgrade to the screw in type but with two kids i don't have much time for maintenance if i want to sail this year.